Muscle Percentage Research Articles

Transforming Feather Meal Into a High-Performance Feed for Broilers.

The poultry industry faces challenges with the high cost and environmental impact of Soybean meal. Feather meal, a byproduct with low digestibility due to its keratin content, is a potential alternative. Recent biotechnological advances, including enzymatic and bacterial hydrolysis, have enhanced its digestibility and nutritional value. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of three different feather meal processing methods as partial replacements for soybean meal in broiler diets. The methods assessed included hydrolyzed feather meal treated with Streptomyces bacteria, commercial enzyme-treated feather meal, and boiled feather meal. Their effects on performance and nutrient digestibility were evaluated in Ross 308 male broiler chickens. The study involved 525 Ross 308 male broiler chickens were allocated to seven dietary treatments, which included a control diet and varying combinations of feather meal and soybean meal. Streptomyces sp. MSM5 was shown to effectively produce keratinase, enhancing the amino acid content of the feather meal. Birds fed diets containing 33% and 67% boiled feather meal exhibited significantly reduced body weight gain (BWG) and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast, birds fed diets with 33% hydrolyzed feather meal, treated with either enzymes or bacteria, showed similar BWG and FCR to those on the control diet. However, diets with 67% hydrolyzed feather meal led to significant reductions in performance (p < 0.05). Additionally, diets containing 33% and 67% boiled feather meal, as well as 67% hydrolyzed feather meal, resulted in significantly lower carcass percentage, breast muscle percentage, thigh muscle percentage, overall dry matter digestibility, and protein digestibility (p < 0.05). The results indicate that substituting as much as 33% of soybean meal with processed feather meal, particularly when treated with enzymes or bacteria, does not negatively impact broiler performance. Furthermore, the results underscore the potential of biotechnological treatments, such as bacterial keratin hydrolysis, to enhance the nutritional value of feather meal, transforming it into a high-quality, sustainable protein source for the poultry industry.

Vitamin D3 requirements and relative bioavailability for starter male White Pekin ducks fed either cholecalciferol or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol

The objectives were to investigate effects of various concentrations of dietary vitamin D3 (VD3) or 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) on growth performance, VD3 status, calcium (Ca) metabolism, and tibia mineralization of starter male White Pekin ducks, and dietary requirements and relative bioavailability of these two compounds. One-day-old male White Pekin ducks (n = 624) were assigned to 13 dietary treatments, including 6 added VD3 concentrations (100, 200, 400, 800, 1200, and 2000 IU/kg), and 2 vitamin D3 sources (VD3 and 25-OH-D3), plus a negative control (no vitamin D3 supplementation) for 21 days. Each group had 6 replicate pens of 8 birds per pen. At 21 days of age, growth performance, carcass traits, plasma 25-OH-D3 and Ca content, and tibia mineralization were examined. There was a high incidence of leg disease and mortality in ducks fed the control diet; however, those negative effects were avoided by adequate VD3 or 25-OH-D3 supplementation. Ducks in the negative control group had the lowest body weight, average daily weight gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), breast muscle percentage, plasma 25-OH-D3, plasma Ca, and tibia indices (weight, diameter, ash, density, tibia mineral, strength) (P < 0.05), with all these end points enhanced linearly or quadratically as dietary VD3 or 25-OH-D3 increased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, at 100 or 200 IU/kg, ducks fed 25-OH-D3 had greater body weight, ADG, ADFI, plasma Ca, plasma 25-OH-D3, tibia weight, tibia diameter, tibia ash than those fed VD3 (P < 0.05), indicating 25-OH-D3 was more effective in stimulating growth, Ca absorption, and tibia mineralization. For growth performance, breast muscle percentage, plasma Ca, and tibial indices of starter male Pekin ducks, the VD3 requirements were 281 to 633 IU/kg, whereas 25-OH-D3 requirements were 119 to 395 IU/kg. Based on slope ratio comparisons from multiple linear regressions of plasma 25-OH-D3, bioavailability of 25-OH-D3 was 186% relative to cholecalciferol.

Screening assessment of psycho-emotional state and cardiometabolic risk factors in combatants and civilians during the war in Ukraine

Objective — to conduct the screening assessment of symptoms of psycho‑emotional disorders (post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), general anxiety, perceived stress) and their relationships with metabolic disorders and body composition indicators in combatants and civilians during the war in Ukraine. Materials and methods. 21 combatants with the duration of participation in active hostilities up to 6 months and 20 civilians of the comparison group who permanently resided in Kharkiv and the unoccupied part of Kharkiv region since the beginning of the war were examined. The study included men aged 25 to 55 years without cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Questionnaires were surveyed using the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist Scale‑5 (PCL‑5), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD‑7), and the Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS‑10). The body mass index was determined, visceral fat level, percentage of total body fat mass, and muscle mass were measured by bioimpedance. The levels of lipids, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin were determined, and the triglyceride‑glucose index (TyG) was calculated. Results. Combatants’ PCL‑5 severity scores were only numerically higher than civilians’, and the GAD‑7 severity score was higher (p=0.028). Perceived stress in civilians corresponded to the low level, in combatants — to the moderate level. The PSS‑10 scale scores in combatants was significantly higher than in the comparison group (p=0.018). Among combatants the proportion of individuals with signs of probable PTSD (33.33%) was significantly higher than in civilians (5.00%, p=0.022). Compared to the civilians among the combatants there were also significantly more individuals with moderate and severe general anxiety (28.6% versus 5.0%, respectively, p=0.045). The combatants had higher systolic blood pressure, lower body fat percentage and greater skeletal muscle percentage than the civilians. Metabolic changes in military personnel were characterized by elevated triglyceride levels and lower glycemic indices in comparison to the civilians. In the cоmbatants the assessed severity of PTSD symptoms and perceived stress level were positively correlated with skeletal muscle mass. There were negative correlations between the general anxiety level and fasting glucose, and between the perceived stress level and body fat mass. In the civilians, the severity of symptoms of probable PTSD was positively correlated with body mass index, body fat and visceral fat accumulation, and the triglyceride‑glucose index. The increase in general anxiety and perceived stress levels were associated with the increase in glycemic indices. In addition, the level of general anxiety was inversely correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Conclusions. In the conditions of ongoing war, the higher proportion of individuals with signs of probable PTSD were found among combatants than among civilians. Compared with civilians, military personnel had higher levels of general anxiety and perceived stress. In civilians, the increase in psycho‑emotional disorders was associated with adverse changes in metabolic parameters and body composition, while in military personnel the accumulation of stressful experiences was correlated with the increase in skeletal muscle mass, the decrease in fat body mass and in glycemia levels.

Alterations in Biomarkers Associated with Cardiovascular Health and Obesity with Short-Term Lifestyle Changes in Overweight Women: The Role of Exercise and Diet.

Background and Objectives: In this study, the effects of an eight-week exercise and nutrition program on blood lipids, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), leptin, ghrelin, irisin, malondialdehyde (MDA), and Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) in overweight women were investigated. Materials and Methods: A total of 48 women volunteers participated in this study. The participants were randomly divided into four groups: control (C), exercise (E), nutrition (N), exercise + nutrition (E + N). While no intervention was applied to group C, the other groups participated in the predetermined programs for 8 weeks. At the beginning and end of this study, body composition was measured and blood samples were taken. Results: It was determined that the body composition components, lipid profile indicators, insulin, glucose, insulin resistance, leptin, ghrelin, irisin, and MDA parameters examined in this study showed positive changes in the intervention groups. Group E had a greater effect on body muscle percentage, MDA, and irisin levels, while group N had a greater effect on blood lipids and ghrelin levels. Conclusions: As a result, it is thought that lifestyle changes are important to improve cardiovascular health and combat obesity, and that maintaining a healthy diet together with exercise may be more effective.

Correlation of the Anatomy of the Intersphincteric Anal Fistula with Sex: An Analysis through Anorectal Three-Dimensional Ultrasound

Abstract Introduction Anal fistula surgery is often associated with continence disorders due to transection of the anal sphincter muscles. A comprehensive understanding of the anatomy of the anal canal and fistula can help prevent this outcome. Objective To correlate the anatomy of the intersphincteric anal fistula with the patient's sex using three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound (3D-EAUS). Materials and Methods The present is a retrospective observational study, involving an analysis of the medical records of patients seen at the Coloproctology Service of a Public Tertiary Hospital in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, from July 2016 to December 2022. Patients were categorized by sex and assessed for the position of the internal opening (IO), distance from the IO to the anal margin, and amount and percentage of internal anal sphincter (IAS) muscle compromised by the fistulous tract. Results Intersphincteric fistulae were more common in men. The average age among men was of 46.46 years, and, among women, it was of 38.17 years. There was a difference between the sexes in terms of the duration of compromised IAS, which was longer among men. The percentage of compromised IAS was higher in males. The IO was located at a greater distance from the anal margin in male patients compared to female ones. Conclusion Male patients with intersphincteric anal fistula had the internal fistulous opening positioned more distant from the anal margin, with a greater length and percentage of the IAS muscle compromised by the fistulous tract compared to female patients with the same condition.

Ultrasound guided evaluation of muscle wasting in critically ill patients

BackgroundMuscle wasting constitutes a frequent complication in critical illness and may be most prevalent in chronic critical illness as inpatients with prolonged ICU length of stay.ObjectiveTo evaluate the incidence and percentage of muscle wasting estimated by ultrasonography during ICU stay in patients with sepsis and receiving medications as corticosteroids, muscle relaxant, and certain antibiotics during ICU stay and hospital stay.Patients and methodsWe enrolled 90 patients diagnosed with sepsis who were admitted to ICU at Kasr Alainy Hospital were subdivided in to 3 groups: Group 1 consists of 30 patients receiving steroids. Group 2 consists of 30 patients receiving antibiotic causing muscle wasting in the form of aminoglycosides. Group 3 consists of 30 patients receiving neuromuscular blocking agents (muscle relaxants) for any indication in ICU.ResultsOur study included 90 patients, with mean age 50.44 ± 6.79 years, with male % 60%, APACHE II score 7.16 ± 3.59, SOFA score 7.16 ± 3.59, results showed there was a significant decline in QMT on both right and left sides as well as RFCSA on both right and left sides when compared with baseline starting from the 3rd day of ICU admission till the end of the study period (15th day of ICU admission) (P < 0.001). Patients who received muscle relaxant had significantly higher QMT% and RFCSA% wasting when compared to patients who received aminoglycosides (P < 0.001) and when compared to patients who received steroids (P < 0.001). Patients who received aminoglycosides had significantly higher QMT% and RFCSA% wasting compared to patients who received steroids (P < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between Horowitz index with right side QMT% wasting (r = − 0.557; P < 0.001), left side QMT% wasting (r = − 0.444; P < 0.001), right side RFCSA% wasting (r = − 0.638; P < 0.001), and left side RFCSA% wasting (r = − 0.621; P < 0.001). Right side QMT% wasting positively correlated with WBCs (r = 0.254; P = 0.016). There was a significant positive correlation between SOFA score with right side QMT% wasting (r = 0.308; P = 0.003) and left side QMT% wasting (r = 0.285; P = 0.006). There was a significant positive correlation between SOFA score with right side RFCSA% wasting (r = 0.210; P = 0.003) and left side RFCSA% wasting (r = 0.303; P = 0.004).ConclusionUltrasound showed significant reduction in QMT and RFCSA from the baseline in patients with sepsis starting from the 3rd day of admission. Patients who received muscle relaxant had the highest incidence of muscle wasting (QMT% wasting and RFCSA% wasting). Patients who received steroids reported the least percentage of muscle wasting.

E2 signaling in myofibers promots macrophage efferocytosis in mouse skeletal muscles with cardiotoxin-induced acute injury

To investigate the effect of E2 signaling in myofibers on muscular macrophage efferocytosis in mice with cardiotoxin-induced acute skeletal muscle injury. Female wild-type C57BL/6 mice with and without ovariectomy and male C57BL/6 mice were given a CTX injection into the anterior tibial muscle to induce acute muscle injury, followed by intramuscular injection of β-estradiol (E2) or 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT). The changes in serum E2 of the mice were detected using ELISA, and the number, phenotypes, and efferocytosis of the macrophages in the inflammatory exudates and myofiber regeneration and repair were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. C2C12 cells were induced to differentiate into mature myotubes, which were treated with IFN- γ for 24 before treatment with β -Estradiol or 4-OHT. The treated myotubes were co-cultured with mouse peritoneal macrophages in a 1:2 ratio, followed by addition of PKH67-labeled apoptotic mouse mononuclear spleen cells induced by UV irradiation, and macrophage efferocytosis was observed using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Compared with the control mice, the female mice with ovariectomy showed significantly increased mononuclear macrophages in the inflammatory exudates, with increased M1 cell percentage, reduced M2 cell percentage and macrophage efferocytosis in the injured muscle, and obviously delayed myofiber regeneration and repair. In the cell co-culture systems, treatment of the myotubes with β-estradiol significantly increased the number and proportion of M2 macrophages and macrophage efferocytosis, while 4-OHT treatment resulted in the opposite changes. In injured mouse skeletal muscles, myofiber E2 signaling promotes M1 to M2 transition to increase macrophage efferocytosis, thereby relieving inflammation and promoting muscle regeneration and repair.

Fasciculation potentials are related to the prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Some prognostic biomarkers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been described; however, they are inadequate for satisfactorily predicting individual patient outcomes. Fasciculation potentials (FPs) on electromyography (EMG) are useful for the early diagnosis of ALS, and complex FPs are associated with shorter survival in ALS. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the proportion of muscles with FPs, biochemical markers, and the prognosis of ALS. 89 Patients with ALS were retrospectively classified into three groups based on the interval from onset to death or tracheostomy (less than 1 year: fast progression; from 1 year to less than 3 years: average progression; 3 years or more: slow progression). We performed statistical analysis of the electrophysiological findings, including the percentage of examined muscles with FPs, and biochemical markers evaluated on admission. Patients with fast ALS progression had a higher percentage of muscles with FPs (93.1% vs. 37.9%, P<0.001) and lower uric acid (UA) levels (male: 4.19 mg/dl vs 5.55 mg/dl, P<0.001; female: 3.71 mg/dl vs 5.41 mg/dl, P<0.001) than patients with slow progression. Survival curves demonstrated a relationship between these factors and the survival time in patients with ALS. Furthermore, UA levels were correlated with the percentage of muscles with FPs. Our electrophysiological findings suggest that ALS presents with multisystem neurological manifestations, and these manifestations differed among the groups classified by disease progression. The percentage of muscles with FPs on EMG and serum UA levels were especially associated with the prognosis of ALS.

Influence of genotype on carcass composition, metric traits of the digestive system and leg bones of laying hens after the egg-production season

Context The genotype of laying hens is one of the most important factors influencing their carcass composition and anatomical features. Aims The aim of the present study was to compare two genotypes of laying hens, Lohmann Brown and Lohmann White, after the laying period. Methods The experimental material consisted of 26 carcasses obtained after slaughtering spent laying hens at the age of 83 weeks. Key results The genotype of the birds had a significant (P &lt; 0.05) effect on carcass weight, and the proportion (%) of the breast muscle, leg muscle and gizzard weight. Significant correlations were also found between bodyweight and the weight of the stomach, proventriculus, liver and spleen. The origin of the laying hens also had a significant impact on the length of the sections on intestinal segments, namely, jejunum, ileum and colon. Significant differences in the correlations between bodyweight and length of duodenum, jejunum and rectum were also found. The compared hybrids of laying hens differed significantly in the dimensions of the femur and tibia. Lohmann Brown (LB) hens were characterized by higher greatest length, medial length, smallest breadth of the corpus, and greatest breadth of the distal end of the femur compared with Lohmann White (LW) hens. Dimensions of the tibia greatest length, axial length, smallest breadth of the corpus, greatest breadth of the distal end and greatest depth of the distal end in LB hens were also significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher than those in LW hens. Conclusions The results showed that the genotype of laying hens tested after the laying period influenced carcass weight and muscle percentage, as well as differentiated the birds in terms of dimensions of individual segments of the digestive tract, femur, and tibia bones. Implications The results of this research may be useful for consumers of laying hen carcasses and people interested in poultry anatomy.

Expression of myostatin and folistatin as a response to high-load strength training to counteract the loss of muscle mass in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Abstract Background and Purpose Muscle loss is a common complication in patients with heart failure (HF) associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. Myokines (muscle proteins) play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of the disease; in particular, an imbalance in myostatin and follistatin has been reported. Although strength training (ST) within a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program can modulate the expression of these myokines, its effect in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is unknown. We hypothesize that in this population, ST with high load and low repetitions can mitigate muscle cachexia with better myiokine overexpression in this population. Our objective is to evaluate the impact of a CR program with emphasis on high-load, low-repetition ST on the regulation of these muscle proteins, muscle gain and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRFit) in patients with HFpEF. Methods Quasi-experimental study of a CR program (24 sessions of 90 minutes, 3 times a week, for 8 weeks), with the following structure: warm-up (10 minutes), 30-minute ST of high loads (&amp;gt;85% maximum repetition, 1MR) with low repetitions (3-5) and rest times between sets of 2 minutes; then 30 minutes of aerobic resistance training at moderate intensity (60-80% of maximum heart rate) and finally breathing exercises and cool-down (10 minutes). Myokines were determined by immunoassays. Muscular strength was determined by 1MR in biceps, triceps, lateral deltoid, quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemius and soleus. For CRFit, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured and six-minute walk test protocol was also performed. Pre and post-intervention comparison was made using paired t test, Pearson's correlation was used in data analysis and a value of p&amp;lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results 59 patients were admitted, of which 8 of them left due to decompensation. Of the remaining 51 (62.7% male), the mean age was 66±8 years, all of them with HFpEF (M:55±2.4% vs W:54±2.1%; p=0.743). The other diagnoses in the study population were myocardial revascularization (52.94%), angioplasty (29.41%), valve replacement (11.6%), arterial hypertension (60%) and obesity (35%). After CR program it was observerd an improvement in VO2 (from 9.95±2.6 to 13.32±1.7; p=0.022) and meters traveled (243±41 to 349±14; p=0.002), and a decrease in myostatin levels (3337.1±69.2 to 2448.0±70.6; p=0.001) and elevation of follistatin (2167.4±96.9 to 3231.6±67.7; p=0.001). We found a strong positive correlation between follistatin levels and muscle percentage (r=0.8947 Pearson, graph1) and a strong negative correlation with myostatin and muscle percentage (r= -0.8034 Pearson, graph2). Conclusion A phase II CR program with a ST component based on high loads and low repetitions improved muscle strength and mass, FitCR and distance traveled in patients with HFpEF, without modify hemodynamic function. Follistatin levels increased by 49.09% and myostatin levels decreased by 26.65%.

Fermented By-Products of Banana Wine Production Improve Slaughter Performance, Meat Quality, and Flavor Fingerprint of Domestic Chicken.

This study aimed to compare the effects of incorporating fermented feed into daily diets on the slaughter performance, meat quality, and flavor compounds of 120 domestic chickens over a 140-day period. A total of five groups (n = 24), including the control group (CK) of the Guangxi Partridge chickens received a standard base diet. The other four groups were provided with pellets that had been added with 10% fermented banana peel (Pe-10), 20% fermented banana peel (Pe-20), 10% fermented banana pulp residue (Pu-10), and 20% fermented banana pulp residue (Pu-20). The flavor compounds in the meat samples of the chickens in these groups were determined using the gas chromatographic method. The results demonstrated that the chickens in the Pe-10, Pe-20, Pu-10, and Pu-20 groups exhibited pectoral muscle percentages, thigh muscle percentages, and total fatty acid content of chest meat that were higher than those observed in the CK group. The moisture content, meat color, carcass weight, total net weight, and abdominal fat percentage of the meat samples in these experimental groups exhibited no notable differences. The flavor compounds in the meat samples of the chickens fed with the two concentrations of fermented banana peel and banana residue were found to be significantly different from those in the control group, with p-values less than 0.05. As the quantity of fermented banana peel incorporated into the daily ration was increased from 10% to 20%, a notable alteration in the flavor compounds present in the chicken samples was observed. The chickens that were provided with fermented banana peels and pulps in their diets exhibited superior slaughter performance and meat quality, particularly in the case of the Pu-10 group, in comparison to the control chickens.

The CT-derived fat-free muscle fraction is associated with inflammation and predicts outcome in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR

Abstract Background The ESC guidelines underscore the importance of objective risk stratification in making patient-centered decision for valve interventions. However, they primarily rely on surgical risk scores, not considering essential factors such as frailty. Computed tomography (CT) is a routine part of the pre-interventional workup in patients undergoing TAVR and allows for body composition analysis, including the assessment of fat-free muscle fraction (FFMF) as an indicator of muscle quality. Purpose This study aimed to assess the correlation between FFMF and both inflammation and endocrine disorders, and to investigate the predictive value of FFMF in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR. Methods The study included 789 patients undergoing TAVR between 2017 and 2019. Evaluations involved CT scans to assess body composition. Using densitometric thresholds, the skeletal muscle area at L3/L4 level was separated into fatty and lean muscle to calculate the FFMF. The cohort was divided into tertiles of high, medium, and low FFMF, Figure 1. Results The study population was 45.5% female with a mean age of 81.2±6.0 years. Overall, 261 (33.1%) patients had a high FFMF, 293 (37.1%) had a medium FFMF, and 235 (29.8%) had a low FFMF. Patients with a low FFMF were older (82.3±5.9 vs 81.6±5.6 vs 79.8±6.2 years, p&amp;lt;0.01) and had higher rates of atrial fibrillation (52 vs 43 vs 37%, p&amp;lt;0.01), compared to those with a medium and high FFMF. Regarding body composition, low FFMF patients had a higher percentage of body fat (28.7±11.2 vs 26.8±9.1 vs 24.2±9.6%, p=0.01) and a lower percentage of body muscle (30.9±5.3 vs 31.3±4.2 vs 32.7±4.4%, p=0.03). Moreover, a low FFMF was associated with inflammation, as indicated by increased levels of C-reactive protein (6.3 vs 4.2 vs 3.1 mg/l, p&amp;lt;0.01) and procalcitonin (0.06 vs 0.05 vs 0.05 µg/l, p=0.01). Endocrinological assessment revealed lower levels of estradiol (6.8 vs 14.7 vs 15.0 pg/ml, p=0.02) and testosterone (0.18 vs 0.48 vs 2.35 ng/ml, p&amp;lt;0.01) as well as higher levels of cortisol (8.9 vs 7.7 vs 7.6μg/dl, p=0.05) in low FFMF patients. Regarding clinical outcomes, low FFMF was associated with increased one-year mortality (23.4%) compared to medium (11.6%) or low FFMF (3.8%, p&amp;lt;0.01), Figure 2A. This difference persisted over five years (p&amp;lt;0.01), Figure 2B. ROC curve analysis showed that FFMF had the strongest association with one-year mortality (AUC 0.75, p&amp;lt;0.01) and was superior to the STS-PROM (AUC 0.65) and EuroSCORE II (AUC 0.64). Multivariate analysis revealed that low FFMF was independently associated with mortality following TAVR (OR: 3.19 [CI: 1.64 – 6.22], p&amp;lt;0.01). Conclusion The CT-derived FFMF is associated with inflammation and endocrinological disorder in patients undergoing TAVR. Importantly, a low FFMF is a strong and independent predictor of dismal outcomes. FFMF assessment can seamlessly integrate into routine pre-interventional CTs, offering a promising objective parameter for outcome prediction.

Body fat or muscle underneath body mass index in heart failure patients: characteristics and prognostic values

Abstract Background Body Mass Index (BMI) has been recognized as a prognosticator for heart failure (HF) in that higher BMI relates to lower mortality. However, limited data are available whether body composition underneath BMI would further differentiate patients with a better or worse outcome, especially in those with lower or normal BMI. Purpose To investigate the characteristics of body fat and body muscle in HF patient groups with different BMI, and their impact on prognosis. Methods Between July 2021 and July 2022, hospitalized HF patients who were suitable for the examination underwent body composition analysis by using bioelectrical analyses (BIA) in the stable state after decongestion therapy and before discharge. Percentage of body fat (PBF) and percentage of body muscle (PBM) were calculated by dividing the mass of body fat, or body muscle, respectively. Patients were divided into underweight (&amp;lt;18.5kg/m2), normal weight (20-24.9 kg/m2), overweight/obese (≥25kg/m2) based on BMI, who were followed for 180 days for all-cause death. Results 127 consecutive patients with obtained data were finally enrolled (60±15 years, 70% males), including 20 (15.75%) underweight, 75 (59.06%) normal weight, and 32 (25.19%) overweight/obese. As shown in Table 1, As shown in Table 1, the body fat mass and muscle mass varied with BMI, though they showed a different rate of change. Compared with patients with normal weight, the fat and muscle mass in those overweight/obese was 81.8% and 12.4% higher; whereas it was 39.2%, and 23.1% lower in those underweight, respectively. As results, the overweight/obesity group had a higher PBF, but a lower percentage of PBM. Consequently, the overweight/obesity group had a higher PBF, a lower PBM and a decreased muscle mass/fat mass ratio (MFR); conversely, the underweight group had a lower PBF, a higher PBM and an increased MFR. During 180-day follow-up, 17 (13.4%) died for all cause. By Cox regression analysis, MFR independently predict all-cause death (HR, 1.273, 95% CI: 1.056-1.534, p=0.011) after adjusted for age, BMI, ejection fraction and NT-proBNP. Of note, in patients with normal weight, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested the capability of MFR (AUC=0.780, p=0.003) as well as its superiority over BMI in association with all-cause mortality (Figure 1). Conclusions The change of body fat or muscle mass with BMI displayed a different rate in HF patients, so that the MFR was higher in underweight but lower in overweight/obese when compared to normal weight group. Apart from BMI, MFR emerged as a predictor of mortality, in particular in patients with normal weight.

Comparison of Shear-Wave Elastography USG and CT: Composition Analysis of Rectus Femoris Muscle in Healthy Adults and Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.

This study aimed to compare shear-wave elastography (SWE) USG and composition analysis of CT on the right mid-rectus femoris muscle (RF) in both healthy adults and chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Sixty-three healthy adults and 22 CKD patients were included. One musculoskeletal radiologist performed right RF SWE USG, while two radiologists measured shear-wave velocity (SWV) from the same SWE images. CT scan was performed, and muscle composition was measured using imageJ, categorized into four HU-based compositions. Interobserver agreement for SWV between two readers was evaluated. Correlations between SWV and CT compositions were analyzed using Pearson's or Spearman's correlation. SWV of healthy group was significantly higher than CKD group by each reader (p = 0.030 and 0.038). The percentage of low-density muscle was higher in CKD group than healthy group (p < 0.001), and the percentage of normal density muscle was higher in healthy group than CKD (p < 0.001) by each reader. Interobserver agreement of SWV by the two readers was almost perfect in both groups (k = 0.957-0.984, 0.959-0.993). There was a statistically significant correlation between SWV and the percentage of normal density muscle on CT in both healthy adults and CKD patient groups (Reader 1, r = 0.318-0.480, p = 0.001 and 0.024; Reader 2, r = 0.511-0.518, p < 0.001 and p = 0.013). SWV demonstrated a significant correlation with the percentage of normal density muscle on CT in both healthy adults and CKD patients by each reader. SWE provides a radiation-free approach that may offer an objective method for evaluating muscle quality, potentially making it an option for muscle monitoring.

CHANGES IN BODY COMPOSITION INDUCED BY ORTHODOX RELIGIOUS FASTING ON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Scientific research in recent decades has increasingly focused on changes in body composition influenced by Orthodox religious fasting, which the Church has established before major holidays. The purpose of this study is to provide more information on how body composition parameters changed among high school students who followed the recommendations of Orthodox religious fasting for forty days (during Lent). A sample of twenty-eight students from Holy Cyril and Methodius High School in Niš was analyzed . The average age of all male participants was 17.4 ± 1.2 years. Anthropometric measures were taken both before and after the 40-day fast. The Omron BF 511 device, which provided information on body weight, BMI (body mass index), percentage of body fat, percentage of skeletal muscle, and basal metabolic rate, was used to measure body composition values. The acquired data were subjected to statistical analyses, including ANOVA and MANOVA for repeated measures. The results show a statistically significant difference (p = 0.012) between the initial and final measurements based on the MANOVA analysis. This study indicates that students interested in reducing weight while maintaining their muscle mass could benefit from practicing Orthodox religious fasting for 40 days. Further research is needed to confirm these results and explore the long-term effects of religious fasting and the post-fasting period, particularly for this participant sample.

Effects of Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl polysaccharides on growth performance, immune function, cecum microorganisms and short-chain fatty acids in broilers.

In this study, Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl polysaccharides (LSP) was prepared using the water-alcohol precipitation method to evaluate its effects on growth performance, slaughter performance, cytokines, immune organ indices, cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and microbial community structure in broiler chickens when added to the basal diet. Seventy-five broiler chickens were selected and randomly divided into five groups, with 15 chickens per group. All groups were fed a basal diet for 7 days. From 7 days of age, the control group continued to receive the basal diet, while the positive drug group was fed a diet supplemented with Astragalus polysaccharides (APS, 100 g/kg) in addition to the basal diet. The experimental groups were fed diets containing different concentrations of LSP (50, 100, and 200 g/kg) in addition to the basal diet, and the supplementation continued for 42 days. The findings indicated that the incorporation of LSP into the feed significantly enhanced average daily weight gain (ADWG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed to gain ratio (F/G), dressing percentage, percentage of breast muscle, percentage of leg muscle, and percentage of abdominal fat while concurrently reducing drip loss rate and cooking loss rate (p < 0.01) in comparison to the control group. Additionally, it significantly augmented the levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) in cytokines, secreted immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in immunoglobulins, as well as immune organ indicators (p < 0.05). Furthermore, LSP also modulated the intestinal microbiome composition by increasing the abundance of Bacteroides species and significantly changing concentrations of specific short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as propionic acid, isobutyric acid, acetic acid, and isovaleric acid (p < 0.01). These results suggest that dietary supplementation with LSP can effectively regulate intestinal microbiome composition while promoting short-chain fatty acid production. The alterations in microbial characteristics ultimately contribute to improved intestinal immunity and immune organ development as well as enhanced production performance and immune function in broilers.

The Relationship Between the Percentage of Skeletal Muscle (SMP) and the Emergence of Degenerative Diseases (Hypertension) in Posyandu for the Elderly Mugi Sehat

Degenerative disease is a condition of continuous decline in body function with increasing age. Hypertension is a degenerative disease that is often suffered by the elderly. The aging process results in changes in body composition, often without being accompanied by weight changes. Increasing age in the elderly will experience functional limitations caused by changes in body composition, one of which is the Percentage of Skeletal Muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the percentage of skeletal muscle and the emergence of degenerative diseases (hypertension) in the elderly at the Mugi Healthy Elderly Posyandu. The instruments in this study used a Digital Sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure and an Omron Karada Scan Body Composition Monitor Model HBF-375 to measure Skeletal Muscle Percentage. This research method uses a cross-sectional research design. The sample in this study is 58 people. The research was conducted at the Mugi Sehat Elderly Posyandu in the working area of the 2022 UPTD Kembar I health center in May-June 2023. The sampling technique in this study uses total sampling and data analysis using the Spearman Rank test. The results of this study from the bivariate analysis showed that there was no relationship between the Percentage of Skeletal Muscle and the emergence of degenerative diseases (hypertension) in the elderly at the Mugi Healthy Elderly Posyandu, namely the Percentage of Skeletal Muscle with hypertension P value = 0.576 (CC=-0.075).

Screening of the most common cardiometabolic diseases based on risk factor assessment among military personnel

Objective — to assess the prevalence of major cardiometabolic diseases by identifying their risk factors and comparing them with metabolic disorders and stress indicators in military personnel. Materials and methods. The study included 74 male military personnel with an average age of 43.4 [31.4; 50.6] years. Among all the participants, the proportion of individuals with hypertension (HTN) was 51.4%, with dyslipidemia (DLP) — 75.7%, with metabolic­associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) — 48.6%, and with overweight or obesity — 51.4%. The participants were divided into groups based on the number of cardiometabolic diseases: group 1 (comparison) consisted of military personnel without HTN, DLP, or MASLD (n=14, 18.9%), group 2 — personnel with 1—2 of the above­mentioned cardiometabolic diseases (n=32, 43.2%), and group 3 — military personnel with comorbid pathology, including HTN, DLP, and MASLD (n=28, 37.8%). All participants were assessed for anthropometric profile, traditional clinical and biochemical indicators. Stress indicators included dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA­S), cortisol, and oxidative stress marker 8­OH­deoxyguanosine (8­OH­DG), which were measured in the blood using immunoassay methods. Results. Among military personnel with HTN, overweight/obesity was twice as common (p=0.003, χ2=9.110), MASLD was 3.3 times more frequent (p=0.0001, χ2=19.598), and DLP was 1.7 times more frequent (p=0.0001, χ2=15.418). Among military personnel with MASLD, overweight/obesity was observed three times more frequently (p=0.0001, χ2=19.598), and dyslipidemia was 1.6 times more common (p=0.0001, χ2=13.416). Personnel with more cardiometabolic diseases were significantly older (p=0.003). In group 3, 21.4% had a normal BMI, while in group 1, 28.6% were overweight or had obesity (p=0.001). The increase in the number of cardiometabolic diseases between groups was accompanied by a significant reduction in skeletal muscle percentage (p=0.039 for group 1 vs group 2; p=0.001 for group 1 vs group 3; p=0.001 for group 2 vs group 3). Military personnel in group 3 had significantly higher BMI, waist circumference (WC), total fat percentage, and lower skeletal muscle percentage compared to groups 1 and 2 (p=0.001 for all comparisons). The highest levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), uric acid (UA), and the lowest AST/ALT ratio were observed in group 3 compared to group 1 (p=0.002; p=0.0001; p=0.001; p=0.0001) and group 2 (p=0.0001; p=0.0001; p=0.0001; p=0.0001), respectively. Alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly lower in group 3 compared to group 1 (p=0.048). Lipid profile deterioration was observed with an increase in the number of cardiometabolic diseases: total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), very low­density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL­C), and low­density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL­C) levels were significantly higher in group 3 compared to group 1 (p=0.0001; p=0.0001; p=0.0001; p=0.007) and group 2 (p=0.0001; p=0.024; p=0.002; p=0.005), respectively. In group 2, only TG (p=0.0001) and VLDL­C (p=0.0001) levels were higher compared to group 1. DHEA­S levels were significantly lower in group 3 compared to group 1 (p=0.019), but no differences in cortisol levels were found. 8­OH­DG levels were significantly lower in groups 2 (p=0.003) and 3 (p=0.019) compared to group 1. Correlation analysis revealed that stress hormone levels were inversely associated with WC (p=0.016), AST (p=0.004), ALT (p=0.021), total bilirubin (p=0.033), UA (p=0.002), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1с) (p=0.024), TC (p=0.002), TG (p=0.001), and VLDL­C (p=0.001). Conclusions. Cardiometabolic diseases are highly prevalent among military personnel, and comorbidity is a frequent phenomenon that contributes to a significant increase in cardiovascular risk and highlights the need for optimized preventive and therapeutic strategies. The increase in the number of cardiometabolic diseases is associated with older age, worsened anthropometric status, liver function tests, increased uric acid levels, and deteriorating lipid profile. DHEA­S can be considered a marker of chronic stress in individuals with cardiometabolic comorbidity. Monitoring and timely correction of WC, AST, ALT, total bilirubin, UA, HbA1с, TC, TG, and VLDL­C levels among military personnel are necessary, as these indicators are related to stress and can improve cardiometabolic disease prevention.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis predicts prehypertension and hypertension: A hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Hypertension prediction using anthropometry and bioimpedance offers practical advantages for screening. We aimed to analyze various anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance (BIA) estimates as predictive markers of prehypertension and hypertension. This cross-sectional analysis included 432 adult participants recruited from the medicine outpatient department of a tertiary hospital. Blood pressure measurements; anthropometric measurements of weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference; and BIA (Omron HBF 375) were performed for body fat%, resting metabolic rate, visceral fat level, and skeletal muscle percentage. Of the 432 participants comprising 220 males and 212 females, 36.8% were normotensive, 42% were prehypertensive, and 21% were hypertensive. Visceral fat (r 0.662, 95% CI: 0.60-0.72, P < 0.001) and resting metabolic rate (r 0.589, 95% CI: 0.52-0.65, P < 0.001) had the highest positive correlation, while skeletal muscle percentage (r -0.551, 95% CI: -0.62 to -0.48, P < 0.001) had a negative correlation with systolic blood pressure according to bivariate analysis. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for predicting hypertension, visceral fat volume had an area under curve (AUC) of 0.913, and resting metabolic rate had an AUC of 0.968, indicating the best predictive accuracy. Multiple BIA estimates, including high visceral fat content, resting metabolic rate, and adipose marker levels combined with low skeletal muscle percentage, were strongly associated with hypertension. Our analysis suggested the superiority of bioimpedance predictors over anthropometry-based prediction modeling alone for screening for hypertension in clinical practice.

Differential impacts of body composition on oxygen kinetics and exercise tolerance of HFrEF and HFpEF patients

This study aims to (1) compare the kinetics of pulmonary oxygen uptake (VO2p), skeletal muscle deoxygenation ([HHb]), and microvascular O2 delivery (QO2mv) between heart failure (HF) patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and those with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and (2) explore the correlation between body composition, kinetic parameters, and exercise performance. Twenty-one patients (10 HFpEF and 11 HFrEF) underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess VO2 kinetics, with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) employed to measure [HHb]. Microvascular O2 delivery (QO2mv) was calculated using the Fick principle. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was performed to evaluate body composition. HFrEF patients exhibited significantly slower VO2 kinetics (time constant [t]: 63 ± 10.8 s vs. 45.4 ± 7.9 s; P < 0.05) and quicker [HHb] response (t: 12.4 ± 9.9 s vs. 25 ± 11.6 s; P < 0.05). Microvascular O2 delivery (QO2mv) was higher in HFrEF patients (3.6 ± 1.2 vs. 1.7 ± 0.8; P < 0.05), who also experienced shorter time to exercise intolerance (281.6 ± 84 s vs. 405.3 ± 96 s; P < 0.05). Correlation analyses revealed a significant negative relationship between time to exercise and both QO2mv (ρ= -0.51; P < 0.05) and VO2 kinetics (ρ= -0.63). Body adiposity was negatively correlated with [HHb] amplitude (ρ= -0.78) and peak VO2 (ρ= -0.54), while a positive correlation was observed between lean muscle percentage, [HHb] amplitude, and tau (ρ= 0.74 and 0.57; P < 0.05), respectively. HFrEF patients demonstrate more severely impaired VO2p kinetics, skeletal muscle deoxygenation, and microvascular O2 delivery compared to HFpEF patients, indicating compromised peripheral function. Additionally, increased adiposity and reduced lean mass are linked to decreased oxygen diffusion capacity and impaired oxygen uptake kinetics in HFrEF patients.